Figure 5: Population 1 on Vagionia beach Overview of 8 mature Phoenix theophrasti var. Epidaurus

Population 2 used to be right on the beach until the harbour was expanded in the nineties. Ancient pottery decorated with figures of date palms found in the region contributes to the idea that Phoenix palms were much more common in this region in ancient times. Today, many other palms including Phoenix canariensis and Phoenix dactylifera are planted in and around the town. These were planted in the nineties when tourism became more important for the town.

Figure 8: Population 3: Overview of Phoenix theophrasti var. Epidaurus on the hill above Palea Epidavros

Figure 9: Population 2: In front: Female Phoenix canariensis damaged by the red palm weevil. Behind: The only true to type seed producing female Phoenix theophrasti var. Epidaurus

Conservation

Conservation of the Palea Epidavros Phoenix theophrasti will be difficult because the populations are small. Population 1 on Vagionia beach consists of only female trees therefore almost no seeds are present in the fruits. Only one tree that is situated close to a male planted Phoenix canariensis produces few viable seeds. Unfortunately one must assume that these seeds must be hybrid and this female palm is located on private property. Population 2 is also located on private property, and the only female tree in this population is standing just meters away from a male, thus producing viable seed. However, depending on the lineage of both parents and because of the likelihood of sib and half-sib crosses inbreeding depression is likely to become an issue in future offspring. Albinism and other signs of inbreeding depression were already found in the offspring of this tree. Population 3 on the hill above the town consists of only male trees thus also lacking generative multiplication. Additionally, many of the planted Phoenix palms in the town have already died due to damage caused by the larvae of the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus; Figure 9). The only possible way to conserve this fragile population is by rapid human intervention. Pollen from the male palms of population 2 and 3 could be used to manually pollinate the female palms at Vagionia beach. Removal of Phoenix canariensis palms around town, or at least on Vagionia beach would reduce hybridization, so that true to type seed could be produced. A notable amount of at least 6 juvenile Phoenix theophrasti palms are planted near hotels in the southern part of Palea Epidavros. It is likely that these palms originated from one of the three local populations and could help in preserving these palms. It is crucial for the survival of these palms that they are brought into cultivation and spread to palm enthusiasts.